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A record-breaking heat wave has enveloped much of Europe over the past week, with temperatures reaching as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit in southern Spain. Scientists say this is the new reality of climate change.

France, Italy, Spain, and the U.K. have all issued high-level “red” heat alerts, with more than half of France under red alerts.

Tuesday’s temperature topped 112 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of France, and 111 degrees Fahrenheit in southern Spain. The heat wave is continuing, with Germany expecting the temperature to reach 106 F on Saturday. France is expecting 104 F temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday.

At least 48 people have died in France, including 40 who drowned trying to find relief from the heat. Two children were found dead in a hot car on Monday afternoon.

Europe is the globe’s fastest-warming continent, but its infrastructure is not prepared for the now-recurrent heat waves.

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Air conditioning is rare in both schools and homes across Europe, as the continent historically had mild summers. But now, heat waves are beginning earlier each year.

Many schools have closed across Europe, and railways have advised against travel. In France, the country’s energy sector has been unable to keep up with the heat, and at least........

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